Upper GI Bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to bleeding from the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum. It can range from mild to life-threatening. Severe cases require emergency hospital care. Once medically stable, investigation with gastroscopy (OGD) identifies the source and guides treatment and follow-up.

At The New Foscote Hospital, we offer consultant-led assessment and onsite gastroscopy for the investigation and management of upper GI bleeding in stable patients, with clear pathways for urgent care when required.

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Symptoms And Red Flags

• Vomiting blood (fresh red or “coffee-ground” material)
• Black, tarry stools (melaena) or maroon stools
• Dizziness, fainting, paleness, shortness of breath
• Upper-abdominal pain, indigestion, or heartburn
• Fatigue from iron-deficiency anaemia (in chronic or slow bleeding)

Call 999 or attend A&E immediately if you have heavy bleeding, collapse, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, or signs of shock (cold, clammy skin; confusion; rapid pulse).

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Common Causes

• Peptic Ulcer Disease (gastric or duodenal ulcer), often linked to H. pylori or NSAIDs/aspirin
• Oesophagitis/Gastritis/Duodenitis (inflammation or erosions)
• Oesophageal Varices (in people with liver disease)
• Mallory–Weiss Tear (tear after forceful vomiting/coughing)
• Gastric Or Oesophageal Cancer
• Angiodysplasia/Dieulafoy Lesion (abnormal blood vessels)
• Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines increasing bleed risk

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Diagnosis At New Foscote Hospital

Once you are clinically stable, your consultant may recommend:

• Onsite Gastroscopy (OGD) to locate the bleeding source and take biopsies if required
• Blood Tests (full blood count, iron studies, clotting profile)
• H. pylori Testing (stool or breath test; biopsy if indicated)
• Imaging in selected cases, guided by your consultant

Referral: A referral from a Consultant or Private GP is required. This can be arranged through our in-house teams.

Endoscopy – Gastroscopy
Meet Our Consultants
Imaging & Diagnostics

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Treatment And Follow-Up

Your treatment is tailored to the cause:

• Acid Suppression (PPI): promotes ulcer healing and reduces re-bleeding risk
• H. pylori Eradication: antibiotics plus PPI if infection is present
• Medication Review: adjust or protect when using NSAIDs/anticoagulants (with your prescriber)
• Endoscopic Therapy: if indicated during gastroscopy (e.g., clips, injection, thermal therapy)
• Anaemia Care: iron replacement and follow-up testing where needed
• Surveillance: repeat endoscopy for selected diagnoses (e.g., healing check for gastric ulcers, Barrett’s surveillance per guidance)

Severe or ongoing bleeding is managed in an acute hospital; we coordinate onward care as needed and provide post-bleed follow-up at New Foscote when safe.

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How To Prepare For Gastroscopy

• You’ll receive fasting instructions (usually no food for 6 hours; clear fluids allowed until 2 hours before).
• Most procedures are performed with throat spray and/or sedation; arrange an escort if sedated.
• Bring a medication list; ask about blood thinners in advance.

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When To Seek Specialist Help

Book an assessment if you have:

• Black stools, vomiting blood, or unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia
• Persistent indigestion, heartburn or upper-abdominal pain
• Ongoing symptoms despite acid-suppression medicines
• A history of ulcers or previous GI bleeding

Early investigation helps prevent complications and provides peace of mind.